DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Camera Backpack for Hiking
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 18 of 18, (reverse)
AuthorThread
04/27/2012 12:59:45 AM · #1
Hi. Does anyone have some good recommendations for a good camera backpack to be used when hiking? I have the standard Canon backpack which is fantastic when going to places where I don't need to carry extra food, water, etc. or just for casual use.

Thanks,
Paul
04/27/2012 01:12:37 AM · #2
I have Kata Bumblebee-210DL:
//www.kata-bags.com/bumblebee-210-dl-for-dslr-2-3-lenses-flash
It is great for day walks and as cabin luggage on long flights.
04/27/2012 03:55:41 AM · #3
If you're more into hiking than photography, e.g. you hike for more than ten minutes, ;) i'd go with a full on hiking backpack and this insert
04/27/2012 04:31:22 AM · #4
I have the Tamrac 7x Expedition, it's an awesome bag BUT it is BIG!

I got so frustrated with going out shooting and finding I had left a lens at home that I could of made use of so I decided to get a bag that could accomodate all my lenses a flash, TC, cleaning equip, Grads etc anyway this bag more than met the requirement and what I like about it most is that once on it manages to feel quite light (when picking up before putting on it's seriously heavy) it has a really good amount of padding in the lower back and the straps and well padded too.

It has both lower straps to pull the bag in nice and tight plus upper chest straps if required.

I paid slightly over the top for mine but got a free water bottle and holder that straps on the side of the bag plus a large lens holder that also straps on, this is normally an extra £38

Theres a laptop compartment that could be used for small general items such as sandwiches, a bag of crisps, chocolate and notepad etc.

I'd give it 9/10 and the only criticism I really have is that the bag is so deep that I find I knock in to people and objects as I turn - yes it's that big!

If you want anymore info on this bag please feel free to contact me as the bags quite expensive and might not suit your specific needs I'd be happy to take some pics for you.
04/27/2012 09:14:04 AM · #5
I recently got an fstop Loka and the bag is just great - far the best camera based backpack I have used - but the inserts suck big time.... as does the price. I just did a couple of week trip to the UK and have been meaning to type up a review when I get time. It was easy to wear all day walking. I would recommend the bag but I cannot recommend the crap the sell for the inserts.
04/27/2012 10:20:25 AM · #6
I have a hiking backpack, that carries all of my hiking supplies and then I use a fanny pack with drink carriers to carry my camera stuff (turned around so the fanny pack faces forward). I can hold two lenses in the drink holders (they have bungees attached to keep the lenses in place) and the pocket of the fanny pack carries various other supplies. My camera is around my neck with a lens attached so I don't have to worry about that.
04/27/2012 12:03:05 PM · #7
Originally posted by NathanWert:

I have a hiking backpack, that carries all of my hiking supplies and then I use a fanny pack with drink carriers to carry my camera stuff (turned around so the fanny pack faces forward). I can hold two lenses in the drink holders (they have bungees attached to keep the lenses in place) and the pocket of the fanny pack carries various other supplies. My camera is around my neck with a lens attached so I don't have to worry about that.


sounds a little uncofortable to me
04/27/2012 12:41:47 PM · #8
i have a kata digital backpack that i use when i am hiking/travelling/going to school - it fits my laptop as well. im super rough on my gear, especially zippers (i overstuff, especially when flying) and have nothing but high praises for it - no problems ever. and decently weatherproof too! i only bother using the rain cover when it is POURING and it has stayed pretty dry through some extended drizzling, as long as all the zippers are done up.

my only (one tiny complaint - that is actually about a benefit, haha) - the lovely padded shoulder straps are too thick to put my capture camera clip on, hahah

Message edited by author 2012-04-27 12:43:13.
04/28/2012 02:38:38 PM · #9
Thanks for the replies everyone.
04/28/2012 04:56:58 PM · #10
Originally posted by cowboy221977:

Originally posted by NathanWert:

I have a hiking backpack, that carries all of my hiking supplies and then I use a fanny pack with drink carriers to carry my camera stuff (turned around so the fanny pack faces forward). I can hold two lenses in the drink holders (they have bungees attached to keep the lenses in place) and the pocket of the fanny pack carries various other supplies. My camera is around my neck with a lens attached so I don't have to worry about that.


sounds a little uncofortable to me


Not for me. My hiking backpack has all of my supplies I need for emergencies. The fanny pack is negligible weight.

The camera is around my neck, but held in my hand for quick use (and for saving, like when I slipped on ice in February and broke my arm) I saved my camera), which ironically is the reason I broke my arm. The arm holding my camera shot into the air to protect it, but it made me lower my left arm and I landed on it. Luckily I didn't really need all my emergency gear, but it's great to have it. I never go hiking without my backpack, but feel it's a pain to have to take it off to get some camera gear from it. Which is why I wear the fanny pack in the front. The only time I have issues is when I bring my tripod (it's big and heavy).
06/06/2012 07:33:30 PM · #11
I just picked up a Vanguard Skyborne 51. It is very breathable and has great hip support and has a chest strap. I also like the side access to the main compartment. And for hiking, it has a built in rain guard. Check it out. They've got several sizes.

Message edited by author 2012-06-06 19:44:18.
06/06/2012 07:54:12 PM · #12
I have this one and took it to Rickett Glen DPC GTG and I found it very handy when it came to switching the lens or taking out a few accessories.
06/06/2012 08:04:21 PM · #13
I got this one for the Bryce Canyon trip. Worked very well. I wanted one that would take a Camel Back bladder for water and be able to carry my travel tripod.
06/06/2012 08:09:03 PM · #14
I also use a fanny pack too. It's a medium sized one, "Swiss Army" brand, and it holds 3 lenses, extra battery, cards, and a couple of other odds and ends. It's a handy way to go because I can wear it front, back, or over the shoulder. With a monopod on the camera I can go all day at events or in the woods without tiring out from lugging around a big load.
When it's behind me, it offsets some of the load on my lower back, and it's easy to move it to the front or side to access contents without having to take off a backpack and set it down to get to the goods.
I also have a couple of the Canon backpacks, but only use those for air travel, in order to carry on a full compliment of equipment, and to make it easier to traverse between gates on plane changes.

06/06/2012 08:35:10 PM · #15
I have the same Clik Elite pack that scarbrd linked to. Actually Ellen uses it. I have the slightly larger Probody sport. Comfortable, and holds a camelbak, but I find the main compartment opening is not big enough for my liking. I also have a Lowepro Compu-daypack, that has a camera compartment, upper section and a wide laptop section that I can put a camelbak into.

Message edited by author 2012-06-06 20:35:26.
06/06/2012 08:55:35 PM · #16
Originally posted by mrchhas:

If you're more into hiking than photography, e.g. you hike for more than ten minutes, ;) i'd go with a full on hiking backpack and this insert


That's really cool. I took a smaller camera bag, one that would fit my D700, my small 50mm, and my 28-85mm lens and stripped all the metal bits off of it ie. zippers, buckles etc.. Then I ripped off all the extra parts I could to save size and weight and I just stick that in my Gregory pack or my hunting pack. Same idea as what you linked except that one is a lot better looking than mine.
06/06/2012 09:23:44 PM · #17
It depends upon the distance/terrain of where I'm going and what the focus is. If the focus is backpacking/climbing + photography on the side or the distance is very high but the focus is photography, I'll take my Osprey Kestrel which is my go-to for most climbs/backpacking. I'll just pack it so that things are nestled nicely, like putting my puffy right at the top for my camera to snuggle in. Usually bring an extra lens that is nestled further down inside. I have enough room with this setup to stay in the wilderness for a week solo in all seasons but the middle of winter, including with bear canister. Winter can be done but it requires lashing some stuff (tent) externally, which I'm not fond of doing. Put your batteries at the foot of your sleeping bag when you sleep. Keeps them lively.

If it's more photography focused with some hiking (up to 10 miles roundtrip with moderate terrain), I use my Lowepro Primus. It's very comfortable and has two separate compartments. It will fit a pro body with 70-200 attached + second lens in the camera compartment, plus whatever else you want in the top. It's got an ice axe loop plus carries a shovel nicely in the clamshell part. It's downfall is in that it is a shorter bodied pack but is still rather deep, so the weight distribution isn't great when it comes to technical maneuvers.

I like the look of that Crumpler bag though. All their stuff I've seen has been pretty well made, as well.

Message edited by author 2012-06-06 22:12:35.
06/06/2012 09:25:15 PM · #18
Originally posted by mrchhas:

If you're more into hiking than photography, e.g. you hike for more than ten minutes, ;) i'd go with a full on hiking backpack and this insert

On the same lines I have this insert that I bought to fit into a military style pistol bag for the WWII reenactment each November.


Holds my 50D with lens mounted and one spare lens. I also found it fits nicely into a handlebar bag for my bicycle. Does not appear to be available on Amazon any longner.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 08:27:19 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 08:27:19 AM EDT.